Zhuang Ruolan shook her head, "Impossible, how could Madam Tang have such ability? There must be other reasons."
Cai Yun thought for a mont before saying, "In the afternoon, the Chief Steward went to the study, and after that, the Old Master issued such an order. Madam, do you think it could be because of the Chief Steward?"
Zhuang Ruolan nodded, "That’s right." The only thing Zhuang Ruolan thought Ma Chengteng had done wisely was to choose a loyal and capable Chief and Second Steward. It was also because of them that Ma’s Mansion hadn’t descended into complete chaos.
Cai Yun breathed a sigh of relief, "The Old Madam has gone to the Small Buddhist Hall, the mansion should be able to enjoy so peace now." Although they were not afraid, Lady Cheng always did things that disgusted people and made them uncomfortable.
Zhuang Ruolan just smiled. Even without the Chief Steward’s intervention, she would have found a way to prevent Lady Cheng from ddling in her affairs. But now it was even better, as the problem was solved without her having to lift a finger.
Zhuang Ruolan said, "Yueyao has been in the mountains for over a month now, she should return." It was already the twelfth lunar month, and if she didn’t co back soon, the mountain would be closed off due to snow.
Cai Yun imdiately sent soone to deliver a ssage to Yueyao.
Yueyao didn’t want to return to the mansion for the ti being, so she kept delaying. She didn’t wish to leave the mountain; although Ma’s Mansion was good, and her uncle and cousins treated her well, it wasn’t her ho after all. Moreover, Yueyao had beco accustod to the quiet and uncontentious life on the mountain and disliked the scheming and power struggles.
The delay continued until the twenty-third of the twelfth lunar month, when people from Marquis Jingning’s Residence ca to pick up Mingzhu. Yueyao had wanted to spend the New Year on the mountain, but seeing the people from Marquis Jingning’s Residence, she knew that might no longer be possible.
Zhaohua Temple was too far from Capital City, and reaching ho would definitely an traveling at night. Using the excuse of not wanting to travel in the dark, Mingzhu adamantly refused to leave that day. To the guards that ca to fetch her, Mingzhu insisted, "It’s already so late, and there are many wild beasts in the mountains, better to leave tomorrow!"
Although the head of the guards wanted to return early, he could only comply with Mingzhu’s insistence.
In the evening, after reading for a while, Yueyao was dragged by Mingzhu into the warm bed, "Keep company and chat." With her departure on the next day, she wanted to talk more with Yueyao.
Yueyao humd in agreent.
Mingzhu turned towards Yueyao and said, "Last ti, you ntioned that if I stayed with you here for a month, fasting and praying, I would understand why Bai Han would do sothing so despicable. I think I’m starting to understand now." Bai Han’s despicable acts seed unrelated to her fasting and praying, but upon reflection, there was indeed a connection. The life she led in the mansion, compared to now, was at the opposite extres. Enduring hardship made her realize how fortunate she had been in the Marquis’ household.
Yueyao smiled, "Good that you understand."
Mingzhu shook her head, "But I still think Bai Han is despicable. It’s not wrong for her to desire a life of wealth and glory, but she should not have set her sights on my father. He’s her uncle by marriage; how does this make my mother look? My mother has always been kind to her." It was a small matter if she had trouble with her brother, but the one most hurt would likely be her mother. Mingzhu was certain her mother was unaware; if she knew, she would certainly be summoned to tend to an illness.
Yueyao laughed, "Now do you understand what your sister-in-law ant when she said to avoid the Marquis’ criticism?" The so-called avoidance of the Marquis’ criticism was just an excuse. What Madam Ping feared most was that Mingzhu, unguarded, might reveal the affair to the Lady of Marquis Jingning. Given the Lady’s poor health, she might be literally angered to death if she learned of this scandal.
Mingzhu nodded, "I understand now." During this ti, Mingzhu had read quite a few books, sotis discussing with Yueyao the matters within them, and Yueyao would guide her to think more deeply.
After the events at Sumr Mountain Villa, Bai Yi realized their mistakes in the girls’ education, so later when Mingzhu asked her questions, she answered according to her own thoughts rather than simply agreeing with Mingzhu.
Bai Yi was a very stable person; otherwise, she would not have been placed beside Mingzhu. Xiang Wei, however, was very outspoken, speaking her mind directly, even bluntly disregarding Mingzhu’s status and straightforwardly calling her naive but adorable. Of course, this way of speaking was rather tactful; there were even harsher comnts.
Mingzhu was initially infuriated, but gradually built up a tolerance. Unexpectedly, Xiang Wei’s acerbic tongue turned out to be more effective than Yueyao’s guidance. With Xiang Wei’s blunt criticism, Mingzhu kept reflecting on herself.
With the combined efforts of the three, Mingzhu changed significantly. She no longer reacted with anger to every situation but instead thought about the consequences before acting. Even though she often acted before thinking, it was still significant progress for Mingzhu.
Mingzhu then asked, "Yueyao, you once said that the outside world rumored to be tricky, malicious, and overbearing. Yueyao, do you really think I’m that bad?" Mingzhu was still very troubled by these words.
Yueyao smiled and shook her head, "No, you’re good." Mingzhu was pure-hearted; she just didn’t understand the subtleties of human relationships or the ruthlessness of the human heart. Her family had kept her too sheltered.
Mingzhu asked with confusion, "Yueyao, you don’t dislike , so why do you dislike Brother Xuan so much? Is he really as bad as you say?" Influenced by those around her, Mingzhu’s feelings towards Ning Lixuan began to waver. She was no longer as passionate when ntioning him, nor would she forbid others from speaking ill of him as before.
Yueyao laughed gently, "If you don’t believe , you can ask Bai Yi, or you can ask the Princely Heir. He truly loves you and will definitely plan well for you. My judgnt of people might be biased, but your brother has seen far more of the world and should have a more accurate assessnt." If Luo Shao truly loved Mingzhu, he definitely would not approve of Ning Lixuan. In her past life, it was Mingzhu who insisted on marrying Ning Lixuan; Yueyao thought Luo Shao must have reluctantly agreed to this marriage under duress.
Mingzhu seed uneasy, "Yueyao, what if my brother also thinks he’s not good enough?"
Yueyao inwardly shook her head, Mingzhu’s obsession with Ning Lixuan was deep-seated, even after so long. After thinking for a mont, Yueyao said, "If everyone says he’s bad for you, will you still insist on him?"
Mingzhu’s expression was complex; everything seed different from what she had envisioned. She was hesitant and unsure of what to do now.
Reviews
All reviews (0)